Annual James P. Hollers Memorial Lectureship

Lectureship Overview

The James P. Hollers Memorial Lecture is hosted annually by the UT San Antonio School of Dentistry in honor of James P. Hollers, dentist and longtime San Antonio civic leader. Hollers chaired the San Antonio Medical Foundation for 20 years and was the driving force in not only establishing the School of Dentistry but also the foundation of UT Health San Antonio. His determination and leadership provided the guidance necessary for the state legislature to allocate funds to establish the institution. Each year the school commemorates this accomplishment by hosting a lecture by a current dental influencer.

This Year’s Distinguished Presenters

Dr. Suzanne Thai, DDS, DABDSM, DASBA, DIAOS
Dr. Thai is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, and the International Academy of Sleep. She is also the founder of DFW Sleep Solutions and Swisher Dental.

Dr. Michelle Thompson, DDS, FAGD, FACD, FICD
Dr. Thompson is the Interim Associate Dean for Patient Care, Director of Digital Dentistry, and an Associate Professor in the Department of General Practice and Dental Public Health at the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry.
 

Redefining Clinical Excellence in the Digital Age of Dentistry

Presented by Dr. Michelle Thompson, DDS, FAGD, FACD, FICD

Lecture Overview

Digital dentistry has redefined clinical excellence across education and patient care. In this lecture, attendees will gain insight into its impact on diagnosis, treatment planning, efficiency, and the patient experience. Drawing on implementation strategies across simulation laboratories, predoctoral and advanced education clinics, and faculty practice settings, this presentation emphasizes clinical decision-making, educational design, and leadership required to integrate digital workflows effectively. The lecture explores the evolving role of CAD/CAM systems, including additive manufacturing (3D printing) and artificial intelligence, highlighting both their opportunities and limitations. This session bridges foundational principles with modern strategies to help clinicians and educators navigate the digital transformation of dentistry while maintaining the highest standards of care.

Dental Sleep Medicine from A to Z: Screening, Testing, Treatment, and Long-Term Success

Presented by Dr. Suzanne Thai, DDS, DABDSM, DASBA, DIAOS

Lecture Overview

This comprehensive lecture provides a step-by-step guide to dental sleep medicine from initial screening to successful treatment outcomes. Attendees will learn how to recognize clinical signs of sleep-disordered breathing, understand sleep testing options, interpret key elements of sleep studies including AHI, RDI, oxygen desaturation, and CPAP intolerance, and determine appropriate treatment pathways. Oral appliance therapy protocols, patient selection, consultation structure, oral examination, bite registration, appliance selection, digital scanning, titration, follow-up care, side-effect management, adjunctive therapies, physician collaboration, insurance documentation, Medicare considerations, and long-term patient success will also be discussed.